The Maya Prem Memorial Trust (MPMT) successfully hosted the Local Level Project Advisory Committee (LPAC) meeting under the PESHA Project on 3^rd July, 2026 at the MPMT Hall in Gandaki-02, Batase, Gorkha. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Ramesh Babu Thapa Magar, Chairperson of Shahid Lakhan Rural Municipality. Key dignitaries in attendance included Mr. Deepak Timilsina, Chairperson of Gandaki Rural Municipality, and Dr. Bijan Panta, Chairperson of MPMT, alongside agriculture branch chief of Shahid Lakhan Rural Municipality and other LPAC members.

Agenda in Focus

Discussions at the meeting centered on three core themes: a comprehensive review of Year 2 (FY 2025/26) activities, achievements, and institutional learnings; detailed planning for Year 3 (FY 2026/27), including the proposed action plan, budget allocation, and implementation strategy; and stakeholder feedback aimed at strengthening future institutional collaborations.

Highlights & Strategic Outcomes

A thriving coffee and vegetable economy. Stakeholders warmly commended MPMT's success in raising farmer incomes through commercial coffee and vegetable farming, pledging continued coordination and support.

A commercial coffee harvest on the horizon. Following extensive plantation drives in 2024 and 2025, the majority of coffee farms are expected to reach commercial production between October 2026 and May 2027, making the upcoming phase pivotal for processing, pulping, and market placement.

Building the value chain. Participants recommended strengthening pulping centers, improving grading and packaging standards, and forging long-term partnerships with national and international specialty coffee buyers.

Toward organic certification. The meeting placed strong emphasis on adopting organic farming standards and launching the certification process to unlock premium international markets.

A call to extend the project. Recognizing that the coffee orchards are only now entering their prime production years, participants strongly recommended exploring an extension of the project period to ensure sustainable technical and institutional support for farmers.

"The PESHA project has brought a noticeable shift in local economic dynamics. Moving forward, the local government is fully committed to aligning its technical resources and providing output-based subsidies to make this coffee value chain self-reliant and sustainable."
— Mr. Ramesh Babu Thapa Magar, Chairperson, Shahid Lakhan Rural Municipality

The Way Forward

The LPAC meeting concluded with a shared commitment to prioritize commercial coffee processing, quality assurance, organic branding, and robust market linkages throughout the project's final year.

MPMT extends its sincere appreciation to all LPAC members and stakeholders for their active participation, valuable feedback, and continued support in achieving the project's objectives.